NEW YORK: Exxon made almost $11 billion and practically apologized for it. Sensing public outrage over gasoline prices that have topped $4 in some states, the company struck a defensive posture Thursday after posting some of its best quarterly financial results ever. Exxon said it had no control over high oil prices. It said it's one of the biggest taxpayers in the United States. It cast federal subsidies as “legitimate tax provisions” that keep jobs at home, and cast itself as a victim of Washington scapegoating. “They feel they have to demonize our industry,” said Ken Cohen, Exxon's vice president for public affairs.
